John Thain is Progressing Nicely in Professional Ranks

By Shaun Brown

Maybe I’m exaggerating but I did feel as though I was watching Scottish boxing’s next big thing last Friday night.

John Thain will always be challenging for the nicest guy in boxing title but with sustained aggression and fantastic punch variety the Scots/Filipino 7-0 (1) middleweight proved that the smiles and likeable personality are always left behind in the changing rooms.

Spiteful right hands over the top, stiff jabs, hooks, movement and combinations were all showcased by the 24-year old against veteran Tony Randell which was screened live on Boxnation.

“We’d been working on a few new things in the gym. I was always looking to make him throw the jab because it was slow, so I knew could land that right hand,” said Thain when reviewing his fight with BoxingScene.

“I was happy with the way I performed but I always want to improve and I’d like to develop a bit more power too but I’m sure that’ll come.”

With his eighth outing likely to be on the undercard of Ricky Burns vs. Kevin Mitchell in September, Thain is beginning to gather a fanbase. As I walked into the Kelvin Hall that night he was already being swamped by people looking to get their picture taken with him, an aspect of the ‘job’ that he enjoys but continually remains humble about.

“It’s quite funny actually for a guy like me to have people asking for photos and cheering me on. It’s nice and I really appreciate all the support.”

The clamour for photo opportunities continued as he left the ring.

“My Mum was trying to put a towel around me to wipe down the sweat and stop me from getting a cold!” laughed Thain. “But the people who wanted a picture taken with me were saying: 'No, no leave it because the sweat makes the photos look better'.’”

As his education ticks along nicely at Edinburgh’s Lochend ABC under the tutelage of Terry McCormack, a foreign trip for this young ring student and a few other classmates has been organised for September.

Thanks to his trainer’s connections in Los Angeles, Thain will be visiting the big school when he attends the esteemed Wildcard Gym in August or September. Despite his potential, an experience such as this may very well be the making of the young man.

“We’re going out for a training camp for a couple of weeks. We won’t have any time for the sights and scenery, we’re all going out there to work hard and gain as much experience as we can. I want to come back stronger and a better fighter for the visit.”

Thain also had a message of support for his countryman Paul Appleby who was taken to hospital after his crushing defeat to John Simpson on the same bill.

“He gives everything when he fights. He’s had four very hard fights in a row. I hope he takes a well earned rest because Paul doesn’t owe us anything. In fact, as fans, we owe him.”

Twitter @shaun_brown